Sail Turkey, 8 days Sailing on a Turkish Gulet boat

Set sail on the famous Blue Cruise, along Turkey’s magnificent Turquoise Coast on board a traditional Gulet. It’s pure escapism, the ultimate relaxing holiday. Swim every day in the crystal clear azure waters of the Mediterranean. Visit ancient ruins of sunken cities. Party on island hideaways such as Smugglers Cove and lap up the genuine hospitality of your crew as they bestow the freshest, tastiest food upon you. Then there are the sunsets – deep purple, orange and red. Throw in some friends, a cocktail or two, a bed on deck and you have yourself a cruise to remember.

Day 1

FETHIYE TO SAMANLIK BAY

Check in at 4pm in Fethiye harbour, our Gulets will be marked with a Busabout flag. Get to know your crew, before setting sail out of the harbour for our first dinner and swim around the 12 islands of Fethiye. The harbour is where the Med meets the Aegean and is full of little coves and great sheltered swimming spots. This evening is the chance to get to know fellow sailors over a few drinks and a sunset on board. (D)

Day 2

SAMANLIK BAY TO ST NICHOLAS ISLAND

We get going early along the coast of Fethiye for breakfast in a secluded bay. It’s then off to Butterfly Valley where we’ll get the chance to visit this amazing bay which hosts 136 different varieties of butterflies, then its Oludeniz (the Blue Lagoon) for a visit and swim. Oludeniz is a virtual paradise, with the warm turquoise waters flanked by some sheer mountains; it’s a real place to escape to. Tonight we stay just near St Nicholas island where you can explore the ruins of a Byzantine settlement before another succulent dinner on deck. (B, L, D)

Day 3

ST NICHOLAS ISLAND TO KAS

A sunrise departure to Yesilkoy for breakfast and a swim in a quiet bay surrounded by olive groves, After this it’s on to Kas the pearl of the Med, where we’ll spend the afternoon shopping for silver through tiny little streets and markets. Kas is one of the best shopping ports along the Mediterranean so we’ll make the most of our time here. Later in the day we’ll depart for Limanagzi bay for a well-earned swim and dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4

KAS TO SMUGGLERS COVE

Today we’ll visit the town of Simena, a traditional fishing village with no car access. Here you can visit the impressive castle overlooking the bay. We will have look at Kekova, the home of the sunken city before stopping in the wide bay near Gokkaya. Here you’ll have a chance to experience all water sports such as paragliding and diving, before mooring in to our little hidden hideaway for the night. Tonight we’ll be picked up by speedboat and escorted to a top party on the pirates’ island, Smugglers Cove. (B, L, D)

Day 5

SMUGGLERS COVE TO GOKKAYA

Today we won’t move that fast. You have a chance to snorkel the bay before breakfast.We will head along the coast to Demre which is famous for the nearby Ancient city of Myra and its ancient Lycian Tombs. Today is great day to explore the ancient sites of Turkey’s Med coast, with lots of time for swimming as well. Tonight we will find the perfect mooring point to catch a fiery sunset. The sunsets here are fantastic. (B, L, D)

Day 6

GOKKAYA TO KALKAN

After breakfast we’ll motor on a short cruise to Bayindir Limani for a swim. Then it’s on to Kalkan, a picturesque little town of true unspoilt beauty. Explore the cobbled streets. We’ll spend most of the day here. You’ll also have the option to take a day trip to Patara beach, probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. (B, L, D)

Day 7

KALKAN TO FETHIYE

After an early start we’ll moor up in Camli Barun a sheltered bay surrounded by pine clad ridges. After breakfast we’ll sail to Batikkaya bay for some more leisure sunbathing and swimming. Tonight we will port back in Fethiye to discover the long history of this important hub and then go out for drinks to celebrate what will certainly be a memorable week sailing along the Turkish Turquoise coast. (B, L, D)